Proposals to build a new swimming pool in East Durham have moved a step closer with councillors giving the go-ahead for research into the scheme.
District of Easington Council’s Executive has agreed to commission a detailed study into the viability of building a new facility in the area.
The research, which will be carried out by leisure consultants PMP on behalf of the council and its partners, will look at the possible size and location of the pool, the potential cost and sources of funding.
The move follows the completion of a preliminary assessment of the proposals by County Durham Sport, which concluded that a 25m pool with provision for educational and community use would be the most appropriate option.
Coun Joan Freak, District of Easington Council's Executive Member for Social Inclusion and Culture, said: "Now we have received County Durham Sport's preliminary report indicating that a case could be made for a new swimming pool in the district we can begin looking at the idea in more detail, and will now be commissioning a full feasibility study.
"I am pleased that our partner organisations, including Seaham Town Council and County Durham Primary Care Trust, have agreed to work together on this project, however, I would stress that this is very much just the start of the process of determining whether a facility is viable.”
County Durham Sport’s study identified three potential locations for the pool, next to Dalton Park retail outlet, alongside Seaham Leisure Centre or as part of the replacement for Seaham School of Technology.
However, the council has agreed that PMP’s research, which will cost £20,000, should consider other possible sites should they become available.
Although no formal commitments have been made to fund a swimming pool, it is estimated that the final project will cost around £3.3million to build and £280,00 a year to run.
News article created on the 26 September 2008